Low USB microphone recording volume (AT2020)

Anonymous

I've been using an AT2020 USB microphone for several years now, first on Vista and then on Windows 7, with no problems at all. After upgrading to Windows 8, I've found that the recording volume using this microphone is now very low. The hardware is all the same, as is all the configuration.

I usually have the volume set at ~30-40. On Windows 7 it's loud and clear, and there is no distortion. On Windows 8, even if I turn it all the way up to 100, the recording volume is way too low and the sound is distorted due to the volume being set so high.

There is clearly something wrong here and as of now Windows 8 is completely unusable to me because I need to be able to record. Any possible solutions would be very much appreciated.

Thank you.

(Also, there are no actual drivers for this device. I've always just plugged it in and it has worked right away.)

Update (7/29/15): This issue has not been fixed with Windows 10. I've started a new thread here for those who have updated. If you want this fixed, please continue to post about it. I doubt it will help, but the only other option is to stick with W7 or buy a new mic.

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous

2015-04-13T13:43:08+00:00

I just want to report in and say that it has now been two years since I replied to this thread, seeking help or a fix for this issue, and on every rendition of Windows since Windows 8 the issue still persists. I have long since reinstalled Windows 7, although I keep Windows 8+ on my laptop where I check on occasion to see if the problem has been resolved. Of course, it still hasn't been.

So lets put it to you guys simply:

YOU SCREWED UP.

So if you canfix the problem, you NEED to make it a priority. NOW. Many, many people rely on good recording quality for work (including hundreds and hundreds of active YouTubers, like myself), and it is completely unacceptable that we have to roll back to an older version of an OS (or use *shudder* Apple's Macintosh OS) just to get the audio quality that we PAID FOR!

And if you can'tfix the problem, then for God's sake BE HONEST ABOUT IT. Your consumers DESERVE to know what they are paying for! Luckily I like Windows 7 just fine, and I at least have my laptop for future versions of the OS, but this... ugh. I'm disappointed, Microsoft. Very disappointed.
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Anonymous

2015-04-10T02:28:47+00:00

Lets get things straight.

USB microphones DO NOT have manufacturer drivers. They use windows usb generic audio drivers.

I've tried my AT2020 and many more usb mics, on different computers and:

Windows 7: No issues, very sensitive on every single PC (also my pc), at 30% of sensitivity its perfect.

Windows 8: Issue with volume level of recorded sound on every single pc (included my pc), even on 100%

Windows 8.1: As above

Windows 10: As above

So please - dear microsoft support team, 1) just fix your built in, god damn windows usb audio driver, 2) Just fix this. 3) Do I said "Fix the driver" already ? 4) STOP with Ctrl+c Ctrl+V answers from "manual". 5 FIX THIS PLEASE - 8.1 cost me REAL MONEY, and I stuck with windows 7 because of this stupid issue!!!!

knock knock...

- who's there?

-FIXXXXX THIIISSS
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Anonymous

2015-04-10T02:26:59+00:00

Lets get things straight.

USB microphones DO NOT have manufacturer drivers. They use windows usb generic audio drivers.

I've tried my AT2020 and many more usb mics, on different computers and:

Windows 7: No issues, very sensitive on every single PC (also my pc), at 30% of sensitivity its perfect.

Windows 8: Issue with volume level of recorded sound on every single pc (included my pc), even on 100%

Windows 8.1: As above

Windows 10: As above

So please - dear microsoft support team, 1) just fix your built in, god damn windows usb audio driver, 2) Just fix this. 3) Do I said "Fix the driver" already ? 4) STOP with Ctrl+c Ctrl+V answers from "manual". 5 FIX THIS PLEASE - 8.1 cost me REAL MONEY, and I stuck with windows 7 because of this stupid issue!!!!
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Anonymous

2015-04-02T23:43:49+00:00

Hi,

Sorry for the delay in replying.

I would like to let you know that very recently there is a new build 10049 released. I recommend you to install this latest build through the Windows Updates and restart the computer to check if the issue persists.

Keep us informed to help you further.
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Anonymous

2015-03-30T02:09:04+00:00

If I do end up getting the XLR version of the Mic, what would it require to work with the computer? Just a USB Interface? I'm really not experienced with this kind of thing (that's why a functional USB Mic would be amazing, but no, that can't happen.......).

Thanks a lot for the reply!
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